Logie Awards 2022: “It’s going to be big!”

EXCLUSIVE: 

For six years Melinda Zahra has been a senior producer on the TV Week Logie Awards.

This Sunday she takes the reins as Executive Producer for the very first time.

Currently Executive Producer for both Carols by Candelight and Postcards, she tells TV Tonight what’s in store for Television’s Night of Nights.

It’s been 3 years since we’ve had a Logies, how is the event resetting itself for a new chapter?

MZ: It’s been three long years, David, and so much has changed. It’s very exciting to finally have the Logies back to celebrate the television industry. There are 25 awards, involving 133 nominees. The show will be Live again, but this time from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. So in a nutshell, it’s going to be big!

This is your first as Executive Producer, which aspect excites you the most?

MZ: There’s a lot to love about the Logies but what excites me the most is working with the many talented people both behind the scenes and on the stage. There is so much detail, expertise and talent required for these big event shows – it’s always a thrill to be a part of it.

Any hints as to who opens the show, musical moments to look out for?

MZ: No spoilers here about the opening but we do have some fabulous and exclusive performances planned for the night – it wouldn’t be the Logies without the showstoppers. From Jimmy Barnes to Calum Scott and Jess Mauboy, it’s going to be a huge night of entertainment. The In Memoriam presentation is also a very special musical moment and this year’s will be no exception.

What does the new venue allow in terms of staging and presentation?

MZ: The bigger space allows for a more luxurious set that’s a perfect play space for the parade of presenters we have, as well as the performing artists. Beyond the set, we have almost 800 guests spread over two tiers, so everyone has a view of the action. But it all starts outside the venue on the Red Carpet which this year is bigger than ever. When you include the Live Site event taking place over at the Star, it’s definitely going to be a night like no other.

Give us an idea of the technical / production it takes in terms of people, cameras and logistics?

MZ: Like so many TV productions, it takes a village to create the Logies! There are teams of people, both inside Nine and beyond, who’ve all worked extremely hard over many months to bring this event to life. These include the teams at TV Week, event management company Rizer, the Star Gold Coast, TEQ as well as set construction, publicists, designers, stylists, musicians, the list goes on. Regarding logistics for this outside broadcast, for starters, there are eight cameras on the Red Carpet Special and then 12 for the main event. When you include the crew from Nine’s lighting, staging, audio, make-up and wardrobe departments, plus the production teams, the numbers run into the hundreds, (cue the long credit roll!)

Are there COVID precautions still in play?

MZ: Yes, of course. Even though restrictions have been relaxed, we’re still COVID conscious and are covering all the necessary bases while planning the event.

Does Neighbours get a special tribute this year?

MZ: With Neighbours wrapping production after 37 years just a week before Logies night, it’s only fitting that we pay tribute. Neighbours has produced multiple Logie winners over the years and has also been inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. Emotions are running high for many people connected with Neighbours, so yes, we want to acknowledge that.

How does Nine include other networks in the big night?

MZ: The Logies is an industry event and a celebration of achievements across all networks. Our producers work closely with all the Network publicists to include as many stars as possible to either present awards on the night or to be part of the Red Carpet Special.

With a 3 year absence will the In Memoriam look to include those we’ve lost since the last event?

MZ: Yes, that’s the plan. This industry has always been a home for creative people, many of whom have made television their life’s work. There are five Gold Logies winners on this list this year, including two Hall of Fame recipients, so it’s an honour to create the In Memoriam presentation. Besides the telecast, there will be an extended presentation online to include as many people as possible.

Your best advice to recipients for acceptance speeches?

MZ: Looking back at 2019, there were some excellent speeches including Dylan Alcott, Costa Georgiadis and the formidable Kerry O’Brien. The emotion and spirit they expressed made for very memorable television. I also loved how Luke McGregor took the opportunity in his speech to remind us all he was single! Jokes are always welcome, but yes, brief is also good.

Should the Hall of Fame extend to one man, one woman, one show?

MZ: Certainly this should be up for discussion. I would like to see more women represented in the Hall of Fame. I think it’s only a matter of time before we see the imbalance start to correct itself.

It wouldn’t be Logies without some controversy or faux paus. Discuss!

MZ: It’s true, they often make for the most memorable moments. Look at Tom Gleeson’s Gold win from 2019 – there was so much noise about that speech. These moments add to the buzz that surrounds the Logies. It’s a very exciting space to be in. I’m looking forward to a wonderful night, followed by a little lie-down!

7pm Sunday on Nine: Logie Awards red carpet
7:30pm Sunday on Nine: 62nd TV Week Logie Awards live.